For All Mankind

Product Notes

'For All Mankind' is a musical tribute to Apollo 11 - the mission that successfully landed a man on the moon in July 1969. It is being written to commemorate this great achievement which celebrates it's 40th anniversary in July of this year. Below is a track-by-track description. Launch The ground shakes and there is an ear shattering roar like thunder as Apollo 11 leaves the launch pad at Cape Kennedy at 13:32:00 UT on July 16, 1969. The three astronauts inside, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins are on their way to the moon. 30 Miles High The rocket needs almighty power to break clear of the earth's gravitational pull. The spent fuel tanks are jettisoned and eleven minutes later travelling at mind blowing speeds they are in earth orbit. Pioneers Capturing the spirit of adventure, the crew felt like pioneers of early America. It is said that they listened to country and western music during the trip! Deep Space Separation This is the point where the Eagle (piloted by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) and Columbia (piloted by Mike Collins) separate. The Eagle will head towards the lunar surface while Mike Collins will keep a lonely vigil orbiting the moon in Columbia. Landing This phase is straight out of an adventure story. As the Eagle makes it's descent towards the moon, an alarm sounds signifying a computer malfunction. Should they abort? The fuel is perilously low and the proposed landing area is covered in boulders the size of cars. Neil and Buzz need all their skill and training to land on the Sea of Tranquility. The Eagle lands with just 20 seconds of fuel left in the tanks. Apollo 11 has made history. Footprints Neil Armstrong steps down from the lunar module and becomes the first man on the moon. Magnificent Desolation As Buzz Aldrin steps on to the moon he remarks on the 'magnificent desolation' of the lunar environment. The two begin their work on the surface collecting rock samples and setting up cameras and other experiments. Beautiful Earth In all of the Apollo missions the astronauts were in awe of the beauty of earth. Our planet looks fragile from space. We need to look after it. Homeward Neil and Buzz leave the lunar surface and rejoin Mike Collins for the long return journey home. It's been a monumental trip but it's not over yet... Reentry As the crew enter the earths atmosphere the whole module heats up to unbelievable temperatures. As we know from recent history any frailty in the module can be exposed during this phase. There is radio blackout as they reenter and no one can tell for sure if they've made it. The astronauts returned to earth on July 24, welcomed as heroes. Parade The 3 heroes take part in ticker-tape parades across America and make the 'Giant Leap' tour around the globe.

Details

Credits

'For All Mankind' is a musical tribute to Apollo 11 - the mission that successfully landed a man on the moon in July 1969. It is being written to commemorate this great achievement which celebrates it's 40th anniversary in July of this year. Below is a track-by-track description. Launch The ground shakes and there is an ear shattering roar like thunder as Apollo 11 leaves the launch pad at Cape Kennedy at 13:32:00 UT on July 16, 1969. The three astronauts inside, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins are on their way to the moon. 30 Miles High The rocket needs almighty power to break clear of the earth's gravitational pull. The spent fuel tanks are jettisoned and eleven minutes later travelling at mind blowing speeds they are in earth orbit. Pioneers Capturing the spirit of adventure, the crew felt like pioneers of early America. It is said that they listened to country and western music during the trip! Deep Space Separation This is the point where the Eagle (piloted by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) and Columbia (piloted by Mike Collins) separate. The Eagle will head towards the lunar surface while Mike Collins will keep a lonely vigil orbiting the moon in Columbia. Landing This phase is straight out of an adventure story. As the Eagle makes it's descent towards the moon, an alarm sounds signifying a computer malfunction. Should they abort? The fuel is perilously low and the proposed landing area is covered in boulders the size of cars. Neil and Buzz need all their skill and training to land on the Sea of Tranquility. The Eagle lands with just 20 seconds of fuel left in the tanks. Apollo 11 has made history. Footprints Neil Armstrong steps down from the lunar module and becomes the first man on the moon. Magnificent Desolation As Buzz Aldrin steps on to the moon he remarks on the 'magnificent desolation' of the lunar environment. The two begin their work on the surface collecting rock samples and setting up cameras and other experiments. Beautiful Earth In all of the Apollo missions the astronauts were in awe of the beauty of earth. Our planet looks fragile from space. We need to look after it. Homeward Neil and Buzz leave the lunar surface and rejoin Mike Collins for the long return journey home. It's been a monumental trip but it's not over yet... Reentry As the crew enter the earths atmosphere the whole module heats up to unbelievable temperatures. As we know from recent history any frailty in the module can be exposed during this phase. There is radio blackout as they reenter and no one can tell for sure if they've made it. The astronauts returned to earth on July 24, welcomed as heroes. Parade The 3 heroes take part in ticker-tape parades across America and make the 'Giant Leap' tour around the globe.